A Chronological Overview of The Ongoing US Government's Crypto Crackdown

To give the recent events a chronological context, so we all see how well structured and directed these actions against the crypto are, I created a list of the most important events I have memory of, that one way or another paved the path to where we are now:

​

1. May 20, 2021. the Treasury Department announced that it would require any transfer worth $10,000 or more of cryptocurrency to be reported to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), as part of a broader plan to crack down on tax evasion and close the tax gap. The Treasury said that cryptocurrency posed a significant detection problem for tax authorities and that reporting rules would help improve transparency and compliance.
2. November 15, 2021 , the White House released a comprehensive framework for responsible development of digital assets, which outlined six key priorities and nine reports with recommendations to address the risks and benefits of digital assets. The framework called for increased enforcement of existing laws, consumer and investor protection, financial stability, countering illicit finance, U.S. leadership and competitiveness, financial inclusion and responsible innovation.
3. November 15, 2021 , the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) rejected a proposal by VanEck to launch a bitcoin exchange-traded fund (ETF), citing concerns about fraud, manipulation and investor protection in the bitcoin market. The SEC also delayed decisions on several other bitcoin ETF applications, signaling its reluctance to approve such products without more regulation and oversight of the crypto industry.
4. November 2022, the Federal Reserve announced that it would launch a public consultation on the potential design and policy issues of a U.S. central bank digital currency (CBDC), also known as a digital dollar. The Fed said it would publish a discussion paper in mid-2023 and seek feedback from stakeholders and the public on various aspects of a CBDC, such as benefits, risks, legal frameworks and operational considerations.
5. December 2022, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) issued a policy statement on deposit insurance for stablecoins, a type of digital asset that is pegged to a fiat currency or other asset. The statement clarified that stablecoins are not eligible for deposit insurance unless they meet certain criteria, such as being backed by actual deposits at an insured bank and being redeemable at par value on demand. This confirmed their posture released on May 20, of the previous year.
6. January 2023, the U.S. Justice Department announced a major international cryptocurrency enforcement action, involving multiple agencies and foreign partners. The details of the action were not disclosed, but it was expected to target illicit actors using digital assets for money laundering, terrorism financing, ransomware and other crimes.
7. January 2023, he New York Attorney General’s office ordered BlockFi, a crypto lending platform, to stop offering interest-bearing accounts to New York residents, saying that the products violated state securities laws. The order was part of a broader investigation into BlockFi’s operations and compliance with consumer protection and anti-money laundering rules.
8. February 2023, the SEC fined several public figures for crypto promoting, as well as TRON network CEO for releasing "unregistered securities". This development happened a couple of months after the mentioned released Stablecoins pegged to foreign currency, especially the Chinesse Yuan, in Dec, 2022.
9. February 2023, the SEC charged Coinbase, a leading crypto exchange, with misleading investors about its revenue and profitability projections ahead of its public listing in April 2022. The SEC alleged that Coinbase made false and misleading statements in its registration statement and prospectus, inflating its expected revenue growth and concealing its exposure to market volatility and regulatory risks
10. March 2023, President Biden signed an executive order on ensuring responsible development of digital assets, which outlined the first whole-of-government strategy to address the risks and benefits of digital assets and their underlying technology. The order laid out six key priorities and called for measures to protect consumers, investors, businesses, financial stability, national security and the environment.
11. March 2023, after the collapse of the SVB Bank (one of the leading banks serving crypto-related businesses) following the raise of the interest rate by the Fed. Reserve; First National Bank bought the bank assets, rejecting the crypto branch, a move that many experts pointed out as forced by regulators' pressure.
12. March 2023, the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) filed a civil enforcement action against Binance, the world’s largest crypto exchange by trading volume, accusing it of illegally offering derivatives products linked to cryptocurrencies to U.S. customers without registering with the agency. The CFTC also alleged that Binance failed to implement adequate anti-money laundering and customer identification procedures.
13. March 2023, a bipartisan group of senators introduced a bill to ban TikTok, a popular social media app owned by a Chinese company, from all federal devices and networks. The bill, called the “Restricting the Emergence of Security Threats that Risk Information and Communications Technology (RESTRICT)” Act, also gave the president and the secretary of commerce the authority to regulate or ban any communications technology products and services linked to foreign accounts. If passed, could have far-reaching consequences for the US crypto industry. The bill could be used to ban or restrict access to crypto applications or web portals hosted or developed by foreign adversaries or their affiliates, limiting the choices and opportunities for crypto users and developers in the US market. Additionally, the bill imposes harsh penalties for using communications technology products and services with applications or web portals associated with foreign adversaries, which could create a chilling effect on the freedom and privacy of crypto users and developers who use VPNs or other tools to circumvent geo-restrictions or censorship. Moreover, the bill's broad and vague powers could undermine the innovation and competitiveness of the US crypto industry by creating uncertainty and fear among crypto companies, investors, and customers, thus creating a hostile and unpredictable environment for the industry.
    

As you may notice, the events are escalating in both number and boldness; the encirclement is advancing at an accelerating rate, and is followed by a lot of mainstream FUD against the industy and its main players.

We are not yet threatened directly by them, but the way is being paved for it. And we do nothing, the big boots will arrive to each of our doorsteps.

Ps. If I got any date or fact wrong, missed something, or whatetever, please point it out so I can correct it! This is by no means a definitive list, and it's probbly flawed :).

Should I Be Worried?

Greetings!

I have to share bad news with you. Approximately a few months ago, I gained access to your devices, which you use for internet browsing. After that, I have started tracking your internet activities.

Here is the sequence of events:

Some time ago, I purchased access to email accounts from hackers (nowadays, it is quite simple to buy it online). I have easily managed to log in to your email account [D](mailto:cdeshich@hotmail.com)ipshit@gal.com

One week later, I have already installed the Cobalt Strike "Beacon" on the Operating Systems of all the devices you use to access your email. It was not hard at all (since you were following the links from your inbox emails). All ingenious is simple. 📷.

This software provides me with access to all your devices controllers (e.g., your microphone, video camera, and keyboard).I have downloaded all your information, data, photos, videos, documents, files, web browsing history to my servers. I have access to all your messengers, social networks, emails, chat history, and contacts list.

My virus continuously refreshes the signatures (it is driver-based) and hence remains invisible for antivirus software. Likewise, I guess by now you understand why I have stayed undetected until this letter.

While gathering information about you, i have discovered that you are a big fan of adult websites. You love visiting porn websites and watching exciting videos while enduring an enormous amount of pleasure. Well, i have managed to record a number of your dirty scenes and montaged a few videos, which show how you masturbate and reach orgasms.

If you have doubts, I can make a few clicks of my mouse, and all your videos will be shared with your friends, colleagues, and relatives. Considering the specificity of the videos you like to watch (you perfectly know what I mean), it will cause a real catastrophe for you.

I also have no issue at all with making them available for public access (leaked and exposed all data).General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR): Under the rules of the law, you face a heavy fine or arrest.I guess you don't want that to happen.

Let's settle it this way:

You transfer 1.9 Bitcoin to me and once the transfer is received, I will delete all this dirty stuff right away. After that, we will forget about each other. I also promise to deactivate and delete all the harmful software from your devices. Trust me. I keep my word.

That is a fair deal, and the price is relatively low, considering that I have been checking out your profile and traffic for some time by now. If you don't know how to purchase and transfer Bitcoin - you can use any modern search engine.

You need to send that amount here Bitcoin wallet:bc1q5nk64s83k00w6xtmzz758qdyur6w4a49m0kqp6

(The price is not negotiable).You have 5 days in order to make the payment from the moment you opened this email.

Do not try to find and destroy my virus! (All your data is already uploaded to a remote server).Do not try to contact me. Various security services will not help you; formatting a disk or destroying a device will not help either, since your data is already on a remote server.

This is an APT Hacking Group. Don't be mad at me, everyone has their own work.I will monitor your every move until I get paid.If you keep your end of the agreement, you won't hear from me ever again.

Everything will be done fairly!One more thing. Don't get caught in similar kinds of situations anymore in the future!My advice: keep changing all your passwords frequently.

How Cryptocurrencies Maintain Their Value: Understanding the Factors Behind Their Worth

Cryptocurrencies maintain their value through a combination of factors, including their limited supply, their utility, and market demand.

First, many cryptocurrencies have a fixed maximum supply. For example, the maximum supply of Bitcoin is 21 million coins. This means that, unlike fiat currencies such as the US dollar, the supply of cryptocurrencies cannot be easily increased, which can help maintain their value.

Second, many cryptocurrencies have practical uses that give them value. For example, Bitcoin can be used to make fast and secure transactions without the need for intermediaries like banks. Other cryptocurrencies, such as Ethereum, have the ability to run decentralized applications and smart contracts, which can be used for a wide range of purposes.

Finally, market demand also plays a role in determining the value of cryptocurrencies. As more people become interested in buying and holding cryptocurrencies, their prices tend to rise. However, if demand decreases, prices can fall.

Overall, the value of cryptocurrencies is determined by a complex interplay of supply, demand, and utility, and can be influenced by a wide range of factors, including economic and political events, technological advancements, and investor sentiment.